LOUISVILLE, KY. Publicly launched just last year at the Mid-American Trucking Show, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) met here at the show again last week to celebrate the successes of its first year and look ahead to 2015.
Kevin W. Burch, president of Jet Express, Inc., second vice chairman of the American Trucking Assns., and co-chairman of TMAF told the audience that founding members and major donors raised $1 Million in 2014 to promote a positive image of trucking.The unique industry-wide group plans to continue its mission in 2015 to help ensure that policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy.
This year, the goal is to more strongly build the political and grassroots support necessary to strengthen and grow the industry for the future. TMAF plans to “be a significant and distinguished voice supporting the trucking industry by establishing policy and promoting its advocacy, while advancing the perception of the industry by highlighting its essentiality, safety, technology and sustainability throughout the country,” he said.
To help reach this goal, the organization has already created an interactive website, a Facebook page, sharable images of the industry, and videos (available on YouTube) that feature real industry people talking about and demonstrating the safety, essential nature and economic impact of the trucking industry.
They have also created banners and full trailer wrap kits, available for about $3,000, including installation.
Keith Tuttle, Motor Carrier Service, LLC president, chairman of the Truckload Carriers Assn. and a supporter of TMAF, was also on hand here in Louisville to lend his support to the group’s efforts.
“Image is at the very heart of TMAF, It tells the story of trucking from behind the wheel,” he said. “TMAF is giving fleets the [market and public relations tools they need to spread the positive word about this industry.] No other movement has been able to bring together every single aspect of the industry.”
